At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in footwear testing, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.
- Company: Join a leading testing and technical services organisation in Kettering.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and a supportive pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: A Levels in Maths or Science and proven team leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 € per year.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Technical Lead – Footwear to join a leading testing and technical services organisation based in Kettering.
You will lead and supervise a team of technologists and technicians within the Footwear Testing team, ensuring compliance with quality standards while maintaining high levels of customer service and technical excellence. This is a key leadership role focused on team development, operational delivery, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced technical environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily supervision of Technicians and Technologists
- Team performance management including appraisals, disciplinary and grievance processes
- Managing workflow across the department with a strong customer focus
- Allocating work and agreeing deadlines with team members
- Ensuring effective implementation of quality systems alongside relevant internal stakeholders
- Developing and delivering staff training plans
- Driving continuous improvement initiatives across systems and individuals
- Monitoring departmental KPIs and performance metrics
- Liaising with customers regarding results and new work opportunities
- Drafting and issuing technical reports and responding to customer enquiries
- Delivering presentations, customer meetings, and technical seminars
- Writing technical articles for internal and external publication
- Overseas travel when required
About You
Essential
- Educated to A Level in Maths or Science
- Experience of physical testing techniques
- Proven supervisory or team leadership experience
- Strong organisation and planning skills
- Customer-facing experience with confidence presenting
- Excellent time management and scheduling ability
- Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Highly motivated with strong problem-solving and logical thinking skills
- Willingness to travel internationally
Desirable
- SAFT course completed or working towards completion
- Degree in Maths or Science
- Experience in a commercial testing or laboratory environment
- Full clean driving licence
- Exposure to sales, marketing or business development tools
- Footwear industry experience
Benefits Include
- ~25–30 days annual leave (depending on service)
- ~ Life assurance
- ~ Group personal pension scheme
- ~ Income protection
- ~ Free parking
- ~ Flexible working hours
Key Dates
- Closing date: Friday 29th May 2026
- Interview date: Thursday 11th June 2026 (on site, Kettering)
Technical Lead (Support) in Northampton employer: Interaction - Kettering
Join a leading testing and technical services organisation in Kettering, where you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and continuous improvement. With competitive benefits including generous annual leave, flexible working hours, and a commitment to quality and customer service, this role as Technical Lead – Footwear offers a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead (Support) in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the footwear industry or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to the Technical Lead role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlighting your experience in performance management and continuous improvement will resonate well with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Lead (Support) in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Lead role. Highlight your supervisory experience and any relevant technical skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can lead a team and ensure quality standards!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership and customer service experience, and let us know how you can contribute to our team's success.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Since this role involves technical excellence, don’t shy away from showcasing your knowledge in physical testing techniques and any relevant qualifications. We love seeing candidates who are passionate about their field!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get back to you. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Interaction - Kettering
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of physical testing techniques and quality standards in the footwear industry. Being able to discuss specific examples from your experience will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts, but that you can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous supervisory roles and how you've managed teams. Think of specific instances where you’ve driven performance improvements or handled difficult situations. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Footwear Testing team.
✨Customer Focus is Key
Since this role involves liaising with customers, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed customer relationships in the past. Highlight your communication skills and any experience you have in delivering presentations or technical seminars.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to the role. Brush up on your IT skills, especially in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as any relevant software used in testing environments. Showing confidence in your technical abilities will set you apart.
